Can I get help with school costs?

Q. We are a family on a low income with one child starting grammar school, the uniform is very expensive, can I get any financial help with the uniform or school meals?

A. The Education and Library Boards pay a uniform grant and free school meals to pupils who attend a primary, secondary, grammar or special school. It does not apply to pupils in attendance at nursery schools, nursery units or reception classes. A uniform grant is available to pupils if their parent or guardian gets one of the following:

*Income Support

*income based Jobseeker’s Allowance

*income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

*the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit

*support by the National Asylum support Service (NASS)

*Child Tax Credit and their income is below £16,190 gross

*Working Tax Credit and their income is below £16,190 gross and the pupil was born on or after 2 July 2000.

The level of assistance is as follows:

*primary school - £35.75

*post-primary/special school under 15 - £51

*post-primary/special school over 15 - £56

*post-primary/special school PE - £22

*Only one clothing allowance per pupil will normally be paid during the school year.

The eligibility criteria are similar to those used for free school meals with the addition of the following criteria: If their child has a statement of special educational needs and is designated to require a special diet, or he, or she, is a boarder at a special school.

How to apply for grant?

The Education Authority is responsible for the administration of the scheme. Application forms are available by telephoning the EA in your region at the relevant contact number below.